SHIVA TEMPLE

30-km from the city of
Hyderabad is a
village called Keesara, where there is famous temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva. It is called "Ramalingesvara temple". Beside are ruined
shrines of the 5th century AD of northern Gupta design.

All over and around the rocky granite dome of Keesara, there are meter -
high stone Lingas. The Linga or the phallic symbol is an ancient abstract
symbol of life and fertility. It is invariably set in a base signifying
the 'Yoni' or the womb.

The Festivity
During Shivaratri, long lines of people stand in queues to enter the main
temple. Several people perform pujas at one of the huge lingams all over
the place. At the foot of the hill a carnival atmosphere prevails. Bright
lights in the pitch-dark moonless night livens up the scene.